“In terms of passing exams, it’s worthless (…) in it own terms, it’s wonderful”Rita has handed in her essay on Macbeth and we come to learn from Frank that the paper does not follow the standards of a “passing-exam” one, i.e. Rita’s paper lacks excellence according to the College requirements. However, Frank considers it wonderful in the sense of uniqueness and original ideas. He tries to explain Rita that her writing transmits her pure essence; this is what makes it excellent.
Whenever we, teachers, make a decision about what to prioritize in classroom, what do we take into consideration??? Have you ever thought about what we are sacrificing when making our students to stick to standards? We should value our students work (uniqueness and effort) even if it is not “conventional”. It is always important to highlight their strengths, as Frank does when he is reluctant to change Rita’s writing. How often do we prioritize our students’ individual way of expression instead of modelling them to the standards????
7 comments:
What an interesting discussion you're starting here, Yohana! Not easy to answer, is it? Because, while the idea of "valuing each student's uniqueness" sounds laudable indeed, haven't students come to us their teachers so that we help them "meet standards". Should we go over their expectations and choices, on the grounds that we know better what they will eventually need in life?
What should our priority be? We need to determine that, if we are to find a satisfactory answer to this dilemma...
Heeeeelp!
;-)
Gladys
What a tough topic... specially from my position (as a student!).
Which should your (teacher's) priority be...
I think that student's "uniqueness and effort" should be taken as valuable... but Gladys is kind of right when she says "students come to us their teachers so that we help them "meet standards"". I really can't find an answer to this dilemma...
As a student of course I like it when teacher value the work I do even if its unique, becuase its the result of my big effort... But I also love it (and maybe I'm the only one in my course) when teachers correct my works, in a good way (of course), and suggest me how it could be better, even if its already prety good, sticking to some standars. Because I know I go to school to learn...
Anyway I don't know... this dilemma overcame me...
I'm really happy to know that at least some techers in the world are thinking about it-...
LOL.
Love,
Dido
Don't you worry, Dido! The main value of asking this question is in pondering the possible answers and their implications, not in choosing one closed answer to it... ;-) And your view (through a student's eyes) is invaluable, believe me... It's so hard to think as a teacher and a student at the same time!
Thanks a million for posting here, and pleeeeeease keep commenting!
Love,
Gladys
Hey people! What a discussion and almost without me... hahaha!
Let me tell you that several things need to be considered when analyzing this issue. Now, during this year I had come across several classroom situations (remember that we are doing observations in schools ;)) and I think that I’ve got my stand point on this matter. I definitely value each student’s uniqueness and contribution in class. What I do in my classes, so far, is to CHOOSE left aside certain content in order to include some valuable discussions or issues contributed by them. I have been rewarded with wonderful and enriching experiences.
However, I can’t forget that it’s a crucial part of my job keep on helping them meet the standards in their own way. There is NO one way to reach them!
I'm happy, I'm starting to see the light at end of the tunnel.
LOL
Yohi
The question would be, Yoha: on what criteria can you decide (and account for) which "discussions and issues" brought about by students are more valuable than(and should therefore be favoured over) course standards?
So you're "seeing the light at the end of the tunnel"?!? Shout to us, so that we can follow you! ;-P (tongue in cheek)
LOL,
Gladys
Gladys...
To be honest I have no criteria yet... I have been asking teachers and everybody says its a matter of tiem and experience.
However, it is important to highlight the motivation is a key elemnt in a classroom, and even if it demands a lot on the part of teh tecaher, we have the huge posibility of adapting their interest to our curricula.
I think that to have a great class we should work hard. That is the key in loving what we do, no matter how long it take us, I think our classes should be those that no student will forget.
Am I dreaming? Probably because of the time.
LOL
Yoha
My tip would be "Remember you're not teaching a course, you're teaching people"... Not original, I know (Scrivener and Bartram and Walton have made similar remarks, among others), but simple and working for me!
Big hug,
Gladys
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